ARJ 101

In this issue: From the Chairman and Executive Editor

Dr. Larrie Ferreiro

Optimizing Warfighters’ Intellectual Capability: Return on Investment of Military Education and Research

Johnathan Mun

The current research looks at various novel ways to value the monetary return on investment (ROI) of military education and research. The methodologies applied include theoretical constructs by using a systems approach to utilization; convolution methods to determine the frequency and quantity of use; and an analytical framework, empirical impact analysis, and work life-cycle approach. These constructs, when combined with integrated risk management and knowledge value-added methodologies, enable researchers to determine and run Monte Carlo simulations of the model inputs, as well as to provide guidance, information, and actionable intelligence to decision makers with respect to the optimal allocation of resources to educational activities. 

Fleet Sustainment and the Fiscal Impact of Contracting Red Air

Capt Thomas Tincher, USAF, and Lt Col Tim Breitbach, USAF

This article explores how the government’s sustainment base and fiscal resources have been impacted by the use of contract aircraft to fly aggressor sorties in lieu of government-owned aircraft. Government documents, industry publications, and media articles were used to collect data on how the military uses aggressor sorties, the impact on the sustainment base, the contract air support industry, the operating cost of government aircraft, adversary air contract awards, and future plans for supplying aggressor sorties. Qualitative analysis and quantitative modeling were used to reach the conclusion that the government should contract out aggressor sorties when organic resources are unavailable or more expensive to use than contract aircraft.

Maintenance Cost Growth in Aging Aircraft: Analysis of a New DHS Dataset

Nicholas J. Ross

This article finds that maintenance cost per flight hour increases by 8.0% as the average age of a fleet of aircraft increases by 1 year.  The article is based on an examination of the impact of aircraft age on maintenance cost per flight hour by analyzing data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations (CBP AMO), a component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). 

Professional Reading List:

The Hundred Year Marathon: China’s Secret Strategy to Replace America as the Global Superpower

by Michael Pillsbury and reviewed by David Riel

Current Research Resources:

Supply Chain Risk Management

Curated by the DAU Research Center and the DAU Virtual Research Library

Defense ARJ Guidelines for Contributors